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Sun D, Shi Z, Chen H, Du Q, Zhang Y, Wang R, Kong L, Luo W, Lang Y, Wang X, Zhou H. COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization and severity and the risk of brain cortical structure: a Mendelian randomization study. QJM 2024; 117:413-421. [PMID: 38195890 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have reported structural changes in the brains of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); it remains unclear whether these associations are causal. AIM We evaluated the causal effects of COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization and severity on cortical structures. DESIGN Mendelian randomization (MR) study. METHODS Data on the different COVID-19 phenotypes were obtained from the latest large-scale genome-wide association study (R7) of the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative. Brain structure data, including cortical thickness (TH) and surface area (SA), were obtained from the ENIGMA Consortium. Additionally, we employed the round 5 dataset released in January 2021 as the validation cohort. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis in MR. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy. We performed enrichment analysis on the MR analyses that passed the sensitivity analysis filtering. RESULTS After IVW and sensitivity analyses, we observed causal associations between COVID-19 susceptibility and rostral middle frontal SAw (P = 0.0308, β = -39.1236), cuneus THw (P = 0.0170, β = -0.0121), medial orbitofrontal THw (P = 0.0002, β = 0.0225), postcentral THw (P = 0.0217, β = -0.0106), temporal pole THw (P = 0.0077, β = 0.0359), medial orbitofrontal SAnw (P = 0.0106, β = -24.0397), medial orbitofrontal THnw (P = 0.0007, β = 0.0232), paracentral SAnw (P = 0.0483, β = -20.1442), rostral middle frontal SAnw (P = 0.0368, β = -81.9719) and temporal pole THnw (P = 0.0429, β = 0.0353). COVID-19 hospitalization had causal effects on medial orbitofrontal THw (P = 0.0053, β = 0.0063), postcentral THw (P = 0.0143, β = -0.0042), entorhinal THnw (P = 0.0142, β = 0.0142), medial orbitofrontal THnw (P = 0.0147, β = 0.0065) and paracentral SAnw (P = 0.0119, β = -7.9970). COVID-19 severity had causal effects on rostral middle frontal SAw (P = 0.0122, β = -11.8296), medial orbitofrontal THw (P = 0.0155, β = 0.0038), superior parietal THw (P = 0.0291, β = -0.0021), lingual SAnw (P = 0.0202, β = -11.5270), medial orbitofrontal THnw (P = 0.0290, β = 0.0039), paracentral SAnw (P = 0.0180, β = -5.7744) and pars triangularis SAnw (P = 0.0151, β = -5.4520). CONCLUSION Our MR results demonstrate a causal relationship between different COVID-19 phenotypes and cortical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sun
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Z Shi
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - H Chen
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Q Du
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - R Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - L Kong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - W Luo
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Y Lang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - H Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Brainin M, Teuschl Y, Gelpi E. "Spanish flu," encephalitis lethargica, and COVID-19: Progress made, lessons learned, and directions for future research. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16312. [PMID: 38745394 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
One hundred years ago, an influenza pandemic swept across the globe that coincided with the development of a neurological condition, named "encephalitis lethargica" for the occurrence of its main symptom, the sudden onset of sleepiness that either developed into coma or gradually receded. Between 1917 and 1920, mortality of the flu was >20 million and of encephalitis lethargica approximately 1 million. For lessons to be learned from this pandemic, it makes sense to compare it with the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred 100 years later. Biomedical progress had enabled testing, vaccinations, and drug therapies accompanied by public health measures such as social distancing, contact tracing, wearing face masks, and frequent hand washing. From todays' perspective, these public health measures are time honored but not sufficiently proven effective, especially when applied in the context of a vaccination strategy. Also, the protective effects of lockdowns of schools, universities, and other institutions and the restrictions on travel and personal visits to hospitals or old-age homes are not precisely known. Preparedness is still a demand for a future pandemic. Clinical trials should determine the comparative effectiveness of such public health measures, especially for their use as a combination strategy with vaccination and individual testing of asymptomatic individuals. It is important for neurologists to realize that during a pandemic the treatment possibilities for acute stroke and other neurological emergencies are reduced, which has previously led to an increase of mortality and suffering. To increase preparedness for a future pandemic, neurologists play an important role, as the case load of acute and chronic neurological patients will be higher as well as the needs for rehabilitation. Finally, new chronic forms of postviral disease will likely be added, as was the case for postencephalitic parkinsonism a century ago and now has occurred as long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brainin
- Department for Clinical Neurosciences and Preventive Medicine, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Yvonne Teuschl
- Department for Clinical Neurosciences and Preventive Medicine, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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4
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van der Knaap N, Ariës MJH, van der Horst ICC, Jansen JFA. On the merits and potential of advanced neuroimaging techniques in COVID-19: A scoping review. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103589. [PMID: 38461701 PMCID: PMC10938171 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Many Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are suffering from long-term neuropsychological sequelae. These patients may benefit from a better understanding of the underlying neuropathophysiological mechanisms and identification of potential biomarkers and treatment targets. Structural clinical neuroimaging techniques have limited ability to visualize subtle cerebral abnormalities and to investigate brain function. This scoping review assesses the merits and potential of advanced neuroimaging techniques in COVID-19 using literature including advanced neuroimaging or postmortem analyses in adult COVID-19 patients published from the start of the pandemic until December 2023. Findings were summarized according to distinct categories of reported cerebral abnormalities revealed by different imaging techniques. Although no unified COVID-19-specific pattern could be subtracted, a broad range of cerebral abnormalities were revealed by advanced neuroimaging (likely attributable to hypoxic, vascular, and inflammatory pathology), even in absence of structural clinical imaging findings. These abnormalities are validated by postmortem examinations. This scoping review emphasizes the added value of advanced neuroimaging compared to structural clinical imaging and highlights implications for brain functioning and long-term consequences in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa van der Knaap
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel J H Ariës
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Iwan C C van der Horst
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobus F A Jansen
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Research Institute of Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
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5
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Radke J, Meinhardt J, Aschman T, Chua RL, Farztdinov V, Lukassen S, Ten FW, Friebel E, Ishaque N, Franz J, Huhle VH, Mothes R, Peters K, Thomas C, Schneeberger S, Schumann E, Kawelke L, Jünger J, Horst V, Streit S, von Manitius R, Körtvélyessy P, Vielhaber S, Reinhold D, Hauser AE, Osterloh A, Enghard P, Ihlow J, Elezkurtaj S, Horst D, Kurth F, Müller MA, Gassen NC, Melchert J, Jechow K, Timmermann B, Fernandez-Zapata C, Böttcher C, Stenzel W, Krüger E, Landthaler M, Wyler E, Corman V, Stadelmann C, Ralser M, Eils R, Heppner FL, Mülleder M, Conrad C, Radbruch H. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling of brainstem, cerebellum and olfactory tissues in early- and late-phase COVID-19. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:409-420. [PMID: 38366144 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment and fatigue, can occur in both the acute infection phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and at later stages, yet the mechanisms that contribute to this remain unclear. Here we profiled single-nucleus transcriptomes and proteomes of brainstem tissue from deceased individuals at various stages of COVID-19. We detected an inflammatory type I interferon response in acute COVID-19 cases, which resolves in the late disease phase. Integrating single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we could localize two patterns of reaction to severe systemic inflammation, one neuronal with a direct focus on cranial nerve nuclei and a separate diffuse pattern affecting the whole brainstem. The latter reflects a bystander effect of the respiratory infection that spreads throughout the vascular unit and alters the transcriptional state of mainly oligodendrocytes, microglia and astrocytes, while alterations of the brainstem nuclei could reflect the connection of the immune system and the central nervous system via, for example, the vagus nerve. Our results indicate that even without persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the central nervous system, local immune reactions are prevailing, potentially causing functional disturbances that contribute to neurological complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Radke
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Jenny Meinhardt
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tom Aschman
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Lorenz Chua
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vadim Farztdinov
- Core Facility High Throughput Mass Spectrometry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sören Lukassen
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Foo Wei Ten
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Friebel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Naveed Ishaque
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Franz
- Department of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Valerie Helena Huhle
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronja Mothes
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Peters
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carolina Thomas
- Department of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shirin Schneeberger
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Schumann
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leona Kawelke
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Jünger
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Viktor Horst
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Streit
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina von Manitius
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto von Guerike University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhold
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto von Guerike University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anja E Hauser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Immune Dynamics, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, a Leibniz Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Osterloh
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philipp Enghard
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Ihlow
- Department of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sefer Elezkurtaj
- Department of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Department of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kurth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Müller
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils C Gassen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Melchert
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Jechow
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Camila Fernandez-Zapata
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chotima Böttcher
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Stenzel
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elke Krüger
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Biologie, Humboldt Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuel Wyler
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Corman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), associated partner, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Stadelmann
- Department of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- Core Facility High Throughput Mass Spectrometry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank L Heppner
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Mülleder
- Core Facility High Throughput Mass Spectrometry, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Conrad
- Center of Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Meinhardt J, Streit S, Dittmayer C, Manitius RV, Radbruch H, Heppner FL. The neurobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nat Rev Neurosci 2024; 25:30-42. [PMID: 38049610 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00769-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, over 694 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with an estimated 55-60% of those infected developing COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic in December 2019, different variants of concern have appeared and continue to occur. With the emergence of different variants, an increasing rate of vaccination and previous infections, the acute neurological symptomatology of COVID-19 changed. Moreover, 10-45% of individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection experience symptoms even 3 months after disease onset, a condition that has been defined as 'post-COVID-19' by the World Health Organization and that occurs independently of the virus variant. The pathomechanisms of COVID-19-related neurological complaints have become clearer during the past 3 years. To date, there is no overt - that is, truly convincing - evidence for SARS-CoV-2 particles in the brain. In this Review, we put special emphasis on discussing the methodological difficulties of viral detection in CNS tissue and discuss immune-based (systemic and central) effects contributing to COVID-19-related CNS affection. We sequentially review the reported changes to CNS cells in COVID-19, starting with the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier - as systemic factors from the periphery appear to primarily influence barriers and conduits - before we describe changes in brain parenchymal cells, including microglia, astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes as well as cerebral lymphocytes. These findings are critical to understanding CNS affection in acute COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 in order to translate these findings into treatment options, which are still very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Meinhardt
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Streit
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Dittmayer
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina V Manitius
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Frank L Heppner
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence, NeuroCure, Berlin, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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7
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Karmakar V, Gorain B. Potential molecular pathways of angiotensin receptor blockers in the brain toward cognitive improvement in dementia. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103850. [PMID: 38052318 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The alarming rise of cognitive impairment and memory decline and limited effective solutions present a worldwide concern for dementia patients. The multivariant role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the brain offers strong evidence of a role for angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in the management of memory impairment by modifying glutamate excitotoxicity, downregulating inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, inhibiting kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT)-II, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family and pyrin-domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, boosting cholinergic activity, activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, countering cyclooxygenase (COX) and mitigating the hypoxic condition. The present work focuses on the intricate molecular mechanisms involved in brain-RAS, highlighting the role of ARBs, connecting links between evidence-based unexplored pathways and investigating probable biomarkers involved in dementia through supported preclinical and clinical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varnita Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India
| | - Bapi Gorain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India.
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Kim J, Ryu B, Kim Y, Choi Y, Lee E. Comparative Analysis of the Prevalence of Dysphagia in Patients with Mild COVID-19 and Those with Aspiration Pneumonia Alone: Findings of the Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1851. [PMID: 37893569 PMCID: PMC10608040 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Patients recovering from mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reportedly have dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing. We compared the prevalence of dysphagia between patients diagnosed with mild COVID-19 and those diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia alone. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2023 in 160 patients referred for a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to assess for dysphagia. The cohort included 24 patients with mild COVID-19 and aspiration pneumonia, 30 with mild COVID-19 without aspiration pneumonia, and 106 with aspiration pneumonia alone. We reviewed the demographic data, comorbidities, and VFSS results using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) and functional dysphagia scale (FDS). Results: In a study comparing patients with mild COVID-19 (Group A) and those with aspiration pneumonia alone (Group B), no significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics, including the prevalence of dysphagia-related comorbidities between the groups. Group A showed milder dysphagia, as evidenced by lower PAS and FDS scores, shorter oral and pharyngeal transit times (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), and fewer residues in the vallecula and pyriform sinuses (p < 0.001 and p < 0.03, respectively). When Group A was subdivided into those with COVID-19 with (Group A1) and without aspiration pneumonia (Group A2), both subgroups outperformed Group B in terms of specific VFSS metrics, such as oral transit time (p = 0.01), pharyngeal transit time (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively), and residue in the vallecula (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). However, Group B showed improved triggering of the pharyngeal swallowing reflex compared with Group A2 (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Mild COVID-19 patients showed less severe dysphagia than those with aspiration pneumonia alone. This finding was consistent across VFSS parameters, even when the COVID-19 group was subdivided based on the status of aspiration pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eunyoung Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sahmyook Medical Center, Seoul 02500, Republic of Korea; (J.K.); (B.R.); (Y.K.)
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Ludwig B, Deckert M, Krajnc N, Keritam O, Macher S, Bsteh G, Zulehner G, Thurnher M, Berger T, Seidel S, Willinger U, Rommer P. Reported neurological symptoms after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infection: A systematic diagnostic approach. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2713-2725. [PMID: 37306533 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Following increasing demands of patients with suspected neurological symptoms after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the Department of Neurology at the Medical University of Vienna established a new outpatient clinic to systematically assess, diagnose, and document neurological complaints potentially associated with a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS The data presented here include prospectively collected 156 outpatients from May 2021 to April 2022. Patients underwent semistandardized interviewing about symptoms with reported onset after SARS-CoV-2 infection, neurological examination, and comprehensive diagnostic workup. RESULTS Reported new onset symptoms after infection included fatigue (77.6%), subjective cognitive impairment (72.4%), headache (47.7%), loss of smell and/or taste (43.2%), and sleep disturbances (42.2%). Most patients had a mild coronavirus disease (COVID-19) disease course (84%) and reported comorbidities (71%), of which the most frequent were psychiatric disorders (34%). Frequency of symptoms was not associated with age, sex, or severity of COVID-19 course. A comprehensive diagnostic workup revealed no neurological abnormalities in the clinical examination, or electrophysiological or imaging assessments in the majority of patients (n = 143, 91.7%). Neuropsychological assessment of a subgroup of patients (n = 28, 17.9%) showed that cognitive impairments in executive functions and attention, anxiety, depression, and somatization symptoms were highly common. CONCLUSIONS In this systematic registry, we identified fatigue, cognitive impairment, and headache as the most frequently reported persisting complaints after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Structural neurological findings were rare. We also suspect a link between the growing burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal lives and the increase in reported neurological and psychiatric complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Ludwig
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Deckert
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nik Krajnc
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Omar Keritam
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Macher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriel Bsteh
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Zulehner
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Majda Thurnher
- Section of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Berger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Seidel
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rehabilitation Clinic Pirawarth, Bad Pirawarth, Austria
| | - Ulrike Willinger
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paulus Rommer
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Stein JA, Kaes M, Smola S, Schulz-Schaeffer WJ. Neuropathology in COVID-19 autopsies is defined by microglial activation and lesions of the white matter with emphasis in cerebellar and brain stem areas. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1229641. [PMID: 37521293 PMCID: PMC10374362 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1229641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to investigate microglial and macrophage activation in 17 patients who died in the context of a COVID-19 infection in 2020 and 2021. Methods Through immunohistochemical analysis, the lysosomal marker CD68 was used to detect diffuse parenchymal microglial activity, pronounced perivascular macrophage activation and macrophage clusters. COVID-19 patients were compared to control patients and grouped regarding clinical aspects. Detection of viral proteins was attempted in different regions through multiple commercially available antibodies. Results Microglial and macrophage activation was most pronounced in the white matter with emphasis in brain stem and cerebellar areas. Analysis of lesion patterns yielded no correlation between disease severity and neuropathological changes. Occurrence of macrophage clusters could not be associated with a severe course of disease or preconditions but represent a more advanced stage of microglial and macrophage activation. Severe neuropathological changes in COVID-19 were comparable to severe Influenza. Hypoxic damage was not a confounder to the described neuropathology. The macrophage/microglia reaction was less pronounced in post COVID-19 patients, but detectable i.e. in the brain stem. Commercially available antibodies for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus material in immunohistochemistry yielded no specific signal over controls. Conclusion The presented microglial and macrophage activation might be an explanation for the long COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A. Stein
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty of the Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Kaes
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty of the Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sigrun Smola
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Saarbrücken, Germany
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11
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Rabady S, Hoffmann K, Aigner M, Altenberger J, Brose M, Costa U, Denk-Linnert DM, Gruber S, Götzinger F, Helbok R, Hüfner K, Koczulla R, Kurz K, Lamprecht B, Leis S, Löffler J, Müller CA, Rittmannsberger H, Rommer PS, Sator P, Strenger V, Struhal W, Untersmayr E, Vonbank K, Wancata J, Weber T, Wendler M, Zwick RH. [S1 guidelines for the management of postviral conditions using the example of post-COVID-19]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:525-598. [PMID: 37555900 PMCID: PMC10504206 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
These S1 guidelines are an updated and expanded version of the S1 guidelines on long COVID differential diagnostic and management strategies. They summarize the state of knowledge on postviral conditions like long/post COVID at the time of writing. Due to the dynamic nature of knowledge development, they are intended to be "living guidelines". The focus is on practical applicability at the level of primary care, which is understood to be the appropriate place for initial access and for primary care and treatment. The guidelines provide recommendations on the course of treatment, differential diagnostics of the most common symptoms that can result from infections like with SARS-CoV-2, treatment options, patient management and care, reintegration and rehabilitation. The guidelines have been developed through an interdisciplinary and interprofessional process and provide recommendations on interfaces and possibilities for collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Rabady
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich.
| | - Kathryn Hoffmann
- Leiterin der Abteilung Primary Care Medicine, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martin Aigner
- Abteilung für Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Johann Altenberger
- Pensionsversicherungsanstalt, Rehabilitationszentrum Großgmain, Salzburger Str. 520, 5084, Großgmain, Österreich
| | - Markus Brose
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Ursula Costa
- Ergotherapie und Handlungswissenschaft, fhg - Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH/fh, Innrain 98, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung Phoniatrie-Logopädie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Samuel Gruber
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Florian Götzinger
- Abteilung für Kinderheilkunde, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstr. 37, 1160, Wien, Österreich
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Standort Neuromed Campus & Med Campus Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Dep. für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Rembert Koczulla
- Fachbereich Medizin, Klinik für Pneumologie Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35035, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Stefan Leis
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie der PMU, MME Universitätsklinikum Salzburg Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020, Salzburg, Österreich
| | - Judith Löffler
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Christian A Müller
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung für Allgemeine HNO, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Paulus S Rommer
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Paul Sator
- Dermatologische Abteilung, Klinik Hietzing, Wolkersbergenstr. 1, 1130, Wien, Österreich
| | - Volker Strenger
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeinpädiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Medizinische Universität Graz, 8036, Graz, Österreich
| | - Walter Struhal
- Klinische Abteilung für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Tulln, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Alter Ziegelweg 10, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Österreich
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Karin Vonbank
- Klinische Abteilung für Pulmologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Johannes Wancata
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Thomas Weber
- Kardiologische Abteilung Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchnerstr. 42, 4600, Wels, Österreich
| | | | - Ralf-Harun Zwick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Kurbadstr. 14, 1100, Wien, Österreich
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